Tag: Monday

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.” Proverbs 27:1-10 (KJV)

Some thoughts on Proverbs 27:1-10…

Verses 1-6 – Boasting, pride, arrogance, leads to sorrow (vv. 1-2). The anger and wrath of the cruel is heavier on their own lives than is a stone over a wells mouth (vv. 3-4).

“The rabbins have a curious story on this subject, and it has been formed by the moderns into a fable. There were two persons, one covetous and the other envious, to whom a certain person promised to grant whatever they should ask; but double to him who should ask last. The covetous man would not ask first, because he wished to get the double portion, and the envious man would not make the first request because he could not bear the thoughts of thus benefiting his neighbor. However, at last he requested that one of his eyes should be taken out, in order that his neighbor might lose both.” Unknown

The rebuke of a friend is sweeter than the flattery of an enemy (vv. 5-6).

Verses 7-10 –

“Prov. 27:7–10 These four proverbs each teach an element of wisdom that can stand on its own, but they have additional application when taken together. Verse 7 deals with honey, a pleasant treat, and v. 9 deals with oil and perfume, luxuries that here represent a banquet (an ancient host provided perfumed oils for his guests at a banquet). Also, v. 7 says that something bitter is sweet to a hungry man, while v. 9 speaks of the sweetness of earnest counsel. Together, vv. 7 and 9 suggest that it is good to have friends for the occasional party, but it is better yet to have a friend willing and able to give good advice. Verse 8 speaks of someone who wanders far from his home (his immediate family) and leaves it unprotected, while v. 10 concerns someone in need whose brother (his immediate family) is far away. Together, they teach that there are benefits in remaining close to family, but a person should not hesitate to turn to a true friend when in need.” From the ESV Study Bible pp. 1181 & 1182.

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“When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, ‘Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said unto them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’ And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:6-11 (KJV)

The remaining disciples of Jesus, following His resurrection have gone with Him to the Mount of Olives. He is about to be “taken up” from them; and in their sight. They ask Him, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” His answer was, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,which the Father hath put in His own power.”

They asked about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Jesus did not say that it would not happen, but that they would not know the time or the season it would happen. In the mean time Jesus has given them and us power to be witnesses in our homes, our communities, States, and the nations of the world to tell them of the glories of Jesus Christ.

When will Israel be restored? We don’t know. God knows. Let’s believe Him, and not the opinions and philosophies of men.

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The book of Judges is about the grace of God toward Israel. They have come into the Promised Land which was given them by GOD, with instructions and laws to follow and to be obedient. As long as they obey God’s commandments they will be prosperous and own the land, but they begin to practice worshipping other god’s; the gods of the surrounding people, whom they are supposed to drive out and destroy. This is part of their disobedience.

GOD is longsuffering and merciful. We find these words in chapter six,

“And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites, that the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, ‘Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; and I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed My voice.'” Judges 6:7-10 (KJV)

One thing we can observe in Judges and throughout the whole of the Old Testament is that God sends His prophets before He sends judgment. The prophet Amos spoke by the leadership of God’s Spirit saying,

“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

We can rest assured that before God does anything He sends His preachers to warn and instruct of what is going to come. For Israel in that day it was “fear not the gods of the Amorites…” but they did not obey. The people had cried out to the LORD, and He sent a prophet.

Not only that the LORD Himself came down as we read in verses 11-23.

The Lord Himself has came down, in the person of His only Son, given His life on the cross, was raised from death, hell and the grave; and by Him we have eternal life.

When I was a boy I spent many days and hours digging for treasure. I had all kinds of holes dug in the ground around our house, in the pastures, the cedar glades, or wherever there was a place I thought that there could be treasure. I did this probably when I was 8 – 10 years of age.

All the time I had a treasure I didn’t see, and that was my family, my parents and siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins. Later on I received a treasure that I have to this day, and will have it through all eternity, and that treasure is the treasure of Jesus Christ in my heart, my life, my inner most being; eternal life with God and Him who died for me. That is the greatest treasure.

Jesus said in Luke 12:34;

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Now there is not a thing wrong with desiring treasure. You will notice though that the verse does not say “Where your heart is, there will your treasure be also”, and that is what many of us probably think. That is not what Jesus says though.

We already have a treasure. Defining our treasure is a key to being at peace; recognizing our treasure.

I knew a couple several years ago who built a new house; they gave a great testimony of loving Jesus Christ, being great givers, and being church people. For a while after building their house they became somewhat frightened or nervous about leaving their home at night. They were worried that someone might break into their house, and either steal some of their new things or vandalize the house. In their hearts, at least for awhile their treasure was in that new house; and they were not at all at peace.

Where is your treasure? If it is truly in Christ Jesus, then you will be at peace, and fear nothing.

I want us to consider the charges Jesus makes against the scribes and Pharisees concerning their hypocrisy, and “Making the word of God of none effect…” Just how does one go about making the word of God of no effect? First of all this means, giving; in this case; more authority and power to something less powerful, such as their traditions.

The following are the words of Jesus,

“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:6-13

Sometimes traditions are good, might even be great; however when we make tradition greater than Scripture we are in danger of being hypocrites, and of honoring God with lip service, but having no heart for Him. The danger the scribes and Pharisees were in was due to one thing that Jesus mentions in verses 10 – 12. Their tradition allowed them to take what would be used for honoring their father and mother; call it God’s, thus, making that sacred, and then they were unable to use that material thing for the honor of their parents.

The following are the study notes of the English Standard Version of the Bible for verses 10 – 13;

Mark 7:10–13 honor your father and your mother (cf. Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Deut. 5:16). No one questions the importance of this law in the Ten Commandments; disregarding it was punishable with death in ancient Israel. Part of honoring father and mother is to care for them, both financially and personally, in their old age. However, Jewish tradition allowed that funds originally dedicated to the care of parents could be declared Corban (Hebrew/Aramaic for legally “dedicated to God”; cf. Lev. 1:2; 2:1; etc.), meaning that the person would no longer be required to do anything for … father or mother. These funds could now be given to the temple, if so desired. Such human traditions thus allow room for the depravity of the human heart, directly opposing the Law of Moses which so often serves to protect the weak and helpless, in this case, parents in their feeble old age (making void the word of God). The “Corban” tradition is an example (along with many such things you do) of disregarding and rejecting the more important aspects of the Mosaic law.

As Christians of today let’s be careful to follow the guidance of the Word of God, and not our traditions over the Word.

We have all heard the language people use on the street, many times in business, at work, at recreation and play. We hear it from children, both special needs children and “normal” children; and that is most generally because the children hear it from their parents or legal guardians.

When I read the following Scriptures that tell me, “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” then there are an massive amounts of people; young and old; who have corrupted abundance in their hearts:

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (KJV)

Maybe the next time you let a vile, corrupted word fly from you tongue and lips you better check your heart. It is corrupt if you let words fly that are vile, dirty, rude, hurtful, filthy, and/or ungodly.

These are the words of Jesus Christ; the purest of men; the God man who gave His life for our sins.

In the reading today we find many different laws. Some dealing with those who cannot enter the congregation; and matters of holiness concerning possessing of material things which are considered unclean. We also find laws concerning divorce and remarriage of women. Matters of usury [interest] from members of the tribes, and family are include; and laws of gleaning crops. Laws concerning payment of hired servants are to be made at the end of the day, because of the poor and their great need. Laws concerning judgment that is to be fair and just for the stranger, orphan and widow. There is also the law of levirate marriage where a brother was to take his belated brothers wife, if that brother had gone childless, and raise up a child in that brother’s name.

I want us to look at one verse,

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” Deuteronomy 24:16 (KJV)

Most people in the world of today would agree with this law. Why should the parents of a disobedient, rebellious, murdering, raping child be “put to death” for them? There are many parents who would lie for their murderous, child; and even go to prison for them; and possibly even die for them. God says that each one is guilty for his/her own sin. There are not many children who would be willing to die for a parent.

Truth be told this is just and right for all people.

This is further stated in the book of Ezekiel,

“Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” v. 20

For some reason there are many cruel, and unreasoning people who believe God is only out to get; out to punish; out to be a vicious and cruel lord over all who are against Him; however, if we continue in Ezekiel we read this,

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” Ezekiel 18:23
“For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” v. 32

The LORD does not delight in the death of the wicked, but that they might turn to Him and live. He has made it all possible through the death of His Son Jesus Christ; His burial and resurrection. The Just for the unjust.

As I was reading this morning I noticed that the phrase “Fear not” or something similar was used at least four times.

Chapter 1 verse 21 says,

“Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.” (1:21)

Fear is a thing that greatly handicaps many of us. When we allow fear to have a hold in our lives it will rule, and cause us to live in defeat. That is not something that is needed by God’s people; neither is it necessary. When we consider all that Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross we have much to be bold, brave and courageous for and about.

Another one says,

“Then I said unto you, ‘Dread not, neither be afraid of them.'” (1:29)

The word “dread” above means to fear with trembling, affrighted, afraid, or terrified; and the other “fear” or “afraid” could be a form of reverence. Certainly we need neither fear of the enemy of God when we have God’s promise of victory. His victory.

Chapter 3 has two more verses with the phrase,

“And the LORD said unto me, ‘Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.'” (3:2)

Deuteronomy is a reminder to the children of Israel of God’s mighty power and acts for the forty years they have wandered in the wilderness (1:1-3). The Bible is not only a historical account of all that God has done for His people down through the history of mankind; but it is also a living word from God which gives life, encouragement, and strength for the journey through God’s Spirit. The person of Jesus Christ is the central being of the Scriptures.

When we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior by believing He came, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, was buried carrying our sins away, and rose bodily from the grave; then we can live in Him without fear. When there is fear in our heart it is a sign that we are not right with Him.

The final verse for today;

“Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God He shall fight for you.” (3:22)

We, as God’s people are assured that the battle is the LORD’s. How can we fear, when we have God with us. Moses was assuring Israel and her people that just as the LORD had led them through the wilderness, and fought the battles; then He would even do so in the Promised Land which they were about to enter.

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As we begin the reading today we find in chapter sixteen three men of the Levites (v. 8), Korah, Dathan and Abiram, who bring an uprising against God. They claim that it is against Moses and Aaron, but in the truth of it; it is against God and His leadership. They have called on 250 princes of Israel to join them.

Moses’s first response was to fall on his face. My first thought for this is that it is an act of petitioning God in humility for these men and their rebellion against Him. My how people of God need to fall on their faces before Him.

There are many times those who are following a leader often think they can do a better job or service than is being given. After all; who did Moses think he was assuming all of this authority for himself? They were questioning. Are we not just as holy as Moses and Aaron? They were in fact showing unholy characteristics. They were not following God; but their own devices, and thinking.

God judges these men and those who followed them by opening the ground to “swallow” them up; and then, closing the ground up. Now, many will say, “God had no cause for this judgment”. He most certainly did. The text does not say it, but it seems an almost certainty that Korah’s, Dathan’s and Abiram’s intent was to take over leadership and lead the Israelites back to Egypt. They certainly didn’t have God’s plan in their hearts; or they would have not had a problem with the leadership of Moses; a wise and meek man (12:3)

Following the judgment upon this rabble of men and families, the congregation gathered against Moses and Aaron (v. 41), and then they witnessed and saw the glory of the LORD appear upon the tabernacle.

“And Moses said unto Aaron, ‘Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.’ And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.” Numbers 16:46-50 (KJV)

They are in quite the rebellious mood. It is not of God. Because of their rebellion God says, “Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.” v. 45 And a plague begins upon the people, and before Moses and Aaron could act for the atonement of the people 14,700 people have died (v. 49).

One of the things about a good leader is that they love the people whom they lead. Even when they mess up he still pleads for them. Sacrifices for them. Will give his/her life for them. This was Moses. Sin was in the camp. Atonement must be made to deliver the people from this plague of death.

The wrath of God is swift; and so too is His grace.

How ought God’s people, Christians, of today respond to those whom God has placed in leadership? We have a few Scriptural references:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:7″Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

And about leadership God says,

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28

In all things follow the leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe Him, obey Him, love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.

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Is it so bad to blaspheme the name of God? Many seem not to think so. What is “blasphemy”, or blaspheming the name of God?

“And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.” Leviticus 24:15-16 (KJV)

It would mean to make light of the name of God; to curse His name. There are many people in the day who do just this, yet the mercy and grace of God falls all over them. Some of these same people are ones who ask the question, “Why does God allow evil in the world?”, then with the next sentence take the name of the LORD in vain, or use His name to swear falsely by leaving a hurting individual hanging by a debt, or without an employer when they have the means to help them.

The LORD values life. All of life. God gives us the form of correction for one man taking another’s life; and that is the death of the killer/murderer. Why? Because He is the LORD. One life is just as valuable as the other. To allow a murderer to lives places more value on the murderer’s life than on the murdered individual’s life. That’s our society. However, God still says,

“And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.” 24:17

The LORD also places value on land ownership and ownership of anything. Though no man actually owns anything; it belongs to the LORD; but He has placed us here to be stewards of His creation.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.” 25:1-4

When people honor God by caring for the land and others He will bless that people.

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When one reads the Scriptures we are not long in realizing that there is much shedding of blood. This book even tells us that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (17:11); and most of us know that without blood coursing through our veins we would not live in this world. Most of the animal kingdom, if not all the animal kingdom; is dependent upon the blood flowing through their veins for life.

These three chapters all deal with sacrifices. Offerings made by the people to the LORD.

In verses 1-3 of chapter one the LORD has called Moses and spoke to him from the tabernacle which has just been built and put in place. This is one of the most amazing points of Scripture – that holy God would speak to unholy men. It is God the LORD who has always initiated this by calling us unto Himself. It is also the case with Mose. The LORD is still calling men and women; boys and girls to Himself. If only we will have the ears to hear His Word, and follow His leading.

In chapter one verses 3-17 we have mention of the offering for the “burnt sacrifice” or “burnt offering”. It is a blood offering. Its entrails are to be cleaned with water, and be burned on the altar; totally consuming it in the flames. An offering burned in the fire. “A sweet aroma to the LORD” (v. 9, 13, 17). This could be an offering of bullocks, sheep or goats, or turtle doves or pigeons. It was dependent upon what each man had to offer. This was an offering of consecration and dedication to the LORD.

In chapter 2 verses 1-16 we have mention of the “grain offering” or “meal offering”. It too is an offering burned in the fire. This offering was an offering of thanksgiving

Chapter three begins with the “peace offering”, a blood sacrifice. This offering deals with having peace with God. No one can have peace with God without the shedding of blood. Paul the apostle writes to the Romans,

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1)

This peace comes through the shed blood of Jesus Christ of whom each Old Testament blood sacrifice was a shadow, or type; foreshadowing the death of the Messiah for the sins of Israel and the world.

The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need a Savior and that Savior is none other than Jesus Christ Son of the Living God. The LORD of all.

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People of earth long for peace. Even those who are fighting in wars have a longing for peace, yet peace seems so far away.

Many people wonder if peace is possible, and also wonder about animals and the future of the earth. The nations of the world are trying to bring peace to the Middle East, and fail; particularly with peace concerning Jerusalem. The nations want things their way; not God’s way; and until the Prince of peace is come there will not be peace on earth; except as we find peace in our own hearts and lives through the cross of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection.

What will peace look like when Jesus comes to earth again? We must realize that when He comes again there will first be a reckoning with all that is evil. It will be put away. The poor will be judged with righteousness the wicked bankers, financiers, CEO’s of big corporations who have labored to fill their pockets, and rob their employees will destroyed.

What about the animal kingdom? We can see the results of the “fall of mankind” by watching the animal kingdom, and that of the kingdom of men. With animals we have meat eating beast, flying, and non-flying; and they feed themselves on the lesser sized animals. In most situations that I have witnessed a cat and dog cannot dwell together side by side without the dog growling, or attacking the cat; there are a few exceptions, but rare. My brother used to have a dog that would allow an old yellow cat to lay on his back while he was resting. Rare indeed. In Isaiah 11 we find these verses concerning our Lord’s coming reign on earth and animals…

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9 (KJV)

If you will notice these animals listed are from the gentle, meek type to the ferocious, meat eater and poisonous kind. The wolf, the lamb, the leopard, the baby goat, the calf, the lion cub, the fatling; and not to leave man out; a little child “leading them”. The child leading them would probably mean that it would not be uncommon in that day to see a spontaneous parade of these animals together with a child in the lead. “Fiction” you may think or say. Not if God says it. Nor do I believe it to be allegorical of a general peace on earth. To make this allegorical you would need to make the rest of prophecy, even that of the first coming of Messiah, as allegory; and that just would be a lie, and deception.

The wolf and the lamb dwelling together! Is this really possible? It happened one other time following the “fall of man”. At the flood [believing what God says in His Word] God brought two of every kind of land animal to the ark; two wolves, two sheep, two leopards, two goats, two bovine, and two lions and two bears; and there was peace while they were coming to the ark, getting on the ark, on the ark, and getting off the ark. When they disembarked from the ark the sin nature of humanity affected them once more.

The millennial kingdom or our Lord fascinates and excites me. I long for that day when I will look into the eyes of my Master, then fall at His feet, and worship my Lord and Savior. Then will spend the Millennium with Him, serving those who populate the earth and worshipping Him for all eternity.

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I continue now with the Scarlet Thread of redemption which runs through Scripture. It is in fact pictures, types, of the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. We previously looked at Cain and Abel. Now we turn our attention to the book of Exodus and the Passover.

The Passover is first mentioned in Exodus 12. The word “Passover” is not used until verse 11; it says,

“…And ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover”

It is called the LORD’S Passover because that night the LORD would be passing over Egypt in judgment, however for the children of Israel if they followed the LORD’S command, He said,

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)

The requirement for the house of Israel was to sacrifice a lamb. Every home must offer the life of a lamb whose blood would be shed. This could not be just any lamb. The lamb must be without blemish, a male of the first year (v. 5), all be killed in the same evening (vv. 5-6). With the blood of the lamb they were to take it with a “hyssop bunch” (v. 22) and dip it in the blood to strike it on the upper door post [lintel], and the two side posts of the door; and when the LORD saw the blood they were untouched by the “destroyer”.

﻿”For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.”

Within the picture of the “Passover” we find the lamb representing, figuring, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus Christ Himself is the anti-type; He is the real thing of which all others are only the shadow, the figure.

You can know and rest assured that the price of the salvation of mankind has been fully paid for by the blood of the Lamb of God. He did come to take away our sins. He became our sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). The blood of Jesus Christ was shed, then poured out on the doorposts of our lives. If you look you can see the cross in the blood on the doorposts. On the upper post was the blood splashed. On the two side posts was the blood splashed. Do you see the cross in the Old Testament? Do you see Jesus There? Most of all do you see Him living, having conquered sin, death, hell and the grave. He ever lives making intercession for us.

That is the SCARLET THREAD OF REDEMPTION.

-Tim A. Blankenship

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There are many times that I would like to just be taken to be with the Lord. No, do not take that to mean I dislike living or that I am suicidal, because I am not. I enjoy this life for the most part. I still long for the day when Jesus comes again. On this day we have been looking at what is truly the “Lord’s Prayer” from John 17.

This is a request of Jesus in His prayer that should really cause us to have a heart full of praise and thanksgiving:

“I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil” John 17:15 (KJV).

Jesus has given His Word to His disciples, and the “World” hates His disciples. Why would that be? First of all, because the world hates Jesus, and secondly, because the world hates truth – the real truth. The truth that all who are apart from Jesus are apart from God. The truth that there is only one way to God and Heaven, and that is through faith in the One who died, was buried, and now lives again. The real problem the world has with Jesus is the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ offends the basic selfish drive that mankind has.

Jesus does not ask that His followers be delivered from the worlds hatred, but that we be sanctified through it. Whether we Christians want to believe it or not we will be hated by those who hate God. Yet, we are called to serve the Lord in this world. We are called to live for Him, proclaim Him, that those who would believe would be saved. We will be delivered from evil, and from the evil one.

The world with its evil intent will not prevail. The Lord’s work on the cross and the resurrection has already gained the victory. We are to wait with patience for that day when He comes to take us home to Himself.

-Tim A. Blankenship

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Remember the prayer which I refer to as the “Lord’s Prayer” is not the one which is often called the “Lord’s Prayer”. The one to which I refer is found in John 17, and is our Lord’s prayer to the Father for His glory and for His disciples as well as all the future one’s who will follow Him.

Today we look at verse 14:

“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14 (KJV).

It is important for us to realize that His Word has been given us for a reason. It has been entrusted to us not for secrecy, secret interpretations, or secret organizations. It has been given us to take into all the world. Even though the follower of Jesus is hated by the world, we are called to live in the world, and show forth the glory of Jesus Christ.

We show forth His glory by showing forth the power of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to change our lives. What has Christ Jesus wrought in you? If you have been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, then He has given you a New Life; you have been born again. You have been born into His kingdom; which is an everlasting kingdom which shall never perish.

The world is that which is perishing. The ones who are fearful and unbelieving. The ones who hate God and all that is godly. Yet, the Word is given to us to share with the world. We have been called out from the world of the flesh and the devil. We are called to live in the world, but not to be of it.

“Come out from among them and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17) is not a command to have nothing to do with the people of the world, but rather to not have anything to do with their ways of worship; their gods. We are to show forth only the glory of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The only way we do that is going about our daily lives in the presence of the world; loving God, one another and those who are dying in this world.

“…And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” John 17:11 (KJV).

Jesus is nearing the time that He will lay His own life down as the sacrifice for our sin. This prayer is assured to be the prayer of God, the prayer God is guaranteed to hear, the prayer the Father will answer. Why wouldn’t the Father hear His own Son’s prayer. He is God’s High Priest. He is the Priest of all priests. He has obeyed His Father’s will and His Word in all things; even to the death of the cross.

Jesus’s saying “…I am no more in the world…” shows that He has already committed Himself to the cross of His death. He considers Himself to be already dead, the work already as good as done. Fully recognizing that the disciples are still “…in the world”, by our flesh.

Let us not believe that when He was praying for “…these”, that He is praying solely for those present day disciples. NO! NO! He was praying for all the disciples who would ever follow Him. He is praying for you all who are in the faith of Jesus. For all who would ever hear His call, “Come follow Me”.

Notice Jesus prayer in this one verse. “…Keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me…”. How can one who is God’s child, one who trusts in Jesus ever leave Him. In order to do so they would have to make Jesus’s prayer null and void. That will never be done. In the faith of Jesus we are kept by the power of the Father’s own name.

Blessed be the name or our Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship

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There are many words for us to hear. The Words that Jesus spoke and is still speaking are the ones He has given us in the Bible; His holy Word. They are given us for faith, practice and Christian growth; for His glory.

“For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” John 17:8 (KJV)

We see in this verse, one of those things given to Jesus by the Father; “the words”. Which words is Jesus referring to? Jesus’s teachings, His doctrine.

There are three things about the disciples which are mentioned: 1. They accepted Jesus’s teachings; 2. They knew – were certain – that Jesus was of divine origin and character; 3. They believed that He was sent by the Father.

Jesus brought the “words” and principles of the Old Testament to life. As the physical manifestation/revelation of God he was the living Word of God. They are no longer dead, lifeless vowels and consonants that only show one’s sinfulness and give no life. Rather, they are now life giving through faith in the “Sent One”.

The only way for these disciples to know these things is because they were God’s from the beginning. No one can come to God on their own. All salvation is a work of God. It is God who awakens man’s awareness of God’s existence. It is God who draws men/women to Himself. It is God who convicts of sin and all unrighteousness. It is God the Father who causes us to look to the cross of Jesus and fall on our knees in repentance, grace and faith. It is all of God, and His grace (SEE John 6:44).

NOTE – Election of God and predestination are essential doctrines of belief, but trying to understand it will drive one crazy. It is essential in believing, but not for understanding. God is sovereign and knows exactly what He is doing. Let’s leave the work of eternal salvation to Him; through the cross of His Son Jesus. He knows and understands it all.

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We are already at Memorial Day of 2010, and there are many things which can concern and worry us. What is dear to you? What do you cherish more than anything else? Is it health, family, your children, your grandchildren, your spouse, your career? There was something dear and cherished by Jesus, and He shared them with those He knew and loved.

“Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me” John 17:7 (KJV).

If you look at the first sentence of these two, you must ask the question “What has the Father given the Son? That question is quickly answered by the following statement. God’s Word is a very precious item to the Lord. Jesus lived to glorify the Father/God by living according to His Word, preaching it, and giving it to those who followed Him.

Giving the Word of God to others is still a priority of God’s people. It must be given. We must ask ourselves the begging question, “Have I received the Words the Father gave the Son?” The disciples did, and it was His disciples for whom He prayed, “They have received them”. It is because they had “Received them” that they were able to know, “Surely I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me”. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ; you are His disciple, and this prayer is for you too.

When you want to know the Personal Truth personally you will hear, and receive His Word. It will be precious to you. Jesus Christ, the Living Word; will especially be precious to you.

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Today we will look solely at the glory of Jesus. It is His glory for which we live and move and have our being.

“And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine Own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was” John 17:5 (KJV).

Notice the faith and confidence in Jesus’s praying. He is eternal with the Father. He possessed glory before the world, or the universe ever was. His glory is His greatness, His power, His strength, His song, His priority. His Father’s glory. Where I have fallen short; where you have fallen short of His glory; Jesus is the Father’s glory.

Jesus is praying for His own glory. It seems quite clear. This is His High Priest prayer, and He has come to accomplish His Father’s glory by the sacrifice of Himself for all the world. The task He came to do required that He lay His creation glory aside, take on the flesh of man, and die. How can God die? He cannot. Becoming flesh He could become sin, paying the price of sin, being put to death – the penalty for sin – and then rise again victoriously over death.

The glory is seen by His resurrection from the grave. The Father restores His glory in the resurrection, and He is alive for all the world to see. Did the Father answer His prayer; this prayer? Most assuredly He did

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“The LORD hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” Proverbs 16:4 (KJV).

To many this may be a very troubling verse of Scripture. In it, however, the follower of Jesus Christ should find rest and peace. As a matter of fact all people who are troubled by the problem of evil, and believe in God could find solace in these words.

We rest in the truth of the Word of God. We are told of the beginning where God created all things. Here we are told that He “Made all things for Himself…”. John the Revelator [writer of the Revelation of Jesus Christ] has written, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for THOU HAST CREATED ALL THINGS, and FOR THY PLEASURE THEY ARE AND WERE CREATED.” Revelation 4:11 (KJV). (Caps are for emphasis from me).

We can rest assured that though there is evil in the world and there are evil people in the world who thrive in doing evil deeds; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are accomplishing His purposes in the world. Evil will be dealt with. Evil will be judged. Evil will come to an end. God will be glorified.

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“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16 (KJV)

Jesus loves children. There is much adults could learn from children, if we would only listen and watch them. We could learn to trust again.

Our area of the world collapses at times; friends forsake us by lying about us, betraying us, and our parents even can let us down at times. As parents we get disappointed by our children’s behavior at times, and we need to discipline them to show them the right and correct way. We can learn from them when we don’t see them as being in the way.

Little children are not without sin, because we are all born into sin. One thing we can learn from children is “Trust”. When a child trusts their parents, mother or father, they rely on them completely. If a dad says to his son, “Come on now and jump off the end of the porch, and I will catch you.”; most of the time the boy will jump into his daddy’s arms (unless daddy has caused the son not to trust him). That is the kind of trust we must put in our Heavenly Father, and the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Children are dependent upon their parents. They trust them to provide their food, shelter, clothing, and security. Children are secure with their parents. The only way this would not be so is, if the parent(s) are brutal, mean and abusing to their children. I think it would be a bad parent who would teach a child not to trust anyone; even themselves.

When we become adults we often forget about trusting God. Troubling things happen, and we can find no help in our own abilities, our own strength; like in a sickness, a debilitating accident, a major life changing event; something we had no control over. When these things happen we need the “faith of a child”, and put our trust completely in the Lord.

“Receiving the kingdom of God as a little child” would be trusting so completely that they look no where else for security or any other need. Is God able to supply our need for salvation? Most assuredly. Is He able to supply our “Daily bread” [our daily needs]; again, most assuredly. Some of us get a little off on this latter thing, though. We can believe that God is able to provide our salvation, but when it comes to meeting daily needs, we kind of tend to leave that in our own hands. Is that the heart of a child. These verses are not talking of remaining immature in faith, but having that unwavering trust in the Lord no matter what the case may be.

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“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1 (KJV).

This Psalm is one of my favorites. It is one that lingers in my memory. I do not know that I set out to purposely memorize it, but it is there. The collection of the Psalms are words of encouragement, hope, and you see the hearts of the writers of the Psalms.

David is known to be the human author of most of these writings of Biblical poetry, but it is also known that some of them were written by Moses, Asaph, and maybe another one or two. We do know and believe that these are words which are inspired by God Himself. They would not be present in the Canon of Scripture if they were not.

This first verse of the Psalms begins with a “Blessed” or “Happy”. This would be the individual who is fulfilled. This individual does not seek ungodly counsel from others, nor do they go to the ungodly seeking godly counsel.

This individual does not have dealings with the rebellious and wicked; taking a bold stand against immorality. The places where the “Blessed” individual stands is upon the Word of God, in places that lift up the Lord. The place of the “Blessed” individual’s seating is where God is seated.

The ’scornful’ are those who make a mockery of God, and scoff at all who profess Him and godliness. An individual usually sits, comfortably where they live. The “Blessed” individual lives in the presence of the LORD God.

Everyone “Delights” in something. There is something that you can hardly do without, maybe a new car, new house, new suit of clothes, more money, more of anything, that you perceive as good. We can get our hearts set on something, and that becomes our “Delight”.

Gulom of the Lord of the Rings story had his “Delight” on the Ring of power. J.R. R. Tolkein wrote the story, and it shows an analogy of the power of sin in our lives. Gulom had been a normal hobbit until the Ring was found and he murdered his friend, took the Ring, and became a creeping, rock crawling, pale, almost sickening being. The picture is surely that sin will destroy you. To Gulom, the Ring was his “Precious”. That was his delight.

In Psalm 1:2 the Psalmist writes, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” We have been told in verse one what this individual does not do; now we see what this godly individual does.

She/he holds no “Delight” in the wickedness of the world or its things. The heart has been reborn. The more the “Delight” is in the “law of the LORD” the less these things of the world become anything of importance. The law of the LORD is something the man and woman of God delights in. They meditate on it day and night.

To wake up thinking Scripturally. To go to bed at night thinking Biblically. What a wonderful “Delight” it is. The Word of God is more precious than anything this world has to give. DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF THE LORD. Within its pages you find life and eternal life. It will take you to the person of Jesus. Sin will hold no power on you.

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3 (KJV).

Have you ever noticed trees by streams of water during a drought? Trees on the hillside away from the streams often begin to look a little dry, and sometimes leaves begin to fade, but the trees by the streams never fade in the heat of drought. The Psalmist paints us a lovely picture of the follower of Christ Jesus who stays in, abides in, continues in the Word of God. He/She “delights in the law of the LORD”, and when troubles come they just keep on ticking.

The fruit will keep on coming despite droughts, despite hardships, and even despite the storms, though the storms may cause severe damage. The one who keeps themselves in the Word, the law, the way of the LORD will also prosper in all they do. Do remember that prosperity is not always in things, but peace, comfort, encouragement, love, wisdom, grace, mercy, etc..

Just as the tree planted by the rivers of water is always at the mercy of the stream which flows by so too is the follower at the mercy of the One whose Word we read, hear and practice. We/You are always in His hands.

There is such evil in our world at times. Murders happen each and every day and even in each hour of the day. Some of which we never hear about. There are many crimes done to other human beings, of whom all are made in the image and likeness of God, and by God Himself. He alone gives life, and He alone can justly take a life.

“The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” Psalm 1:4 (KJV).

We have seen the blessedness of the one who walks with God, and that she/he delights in the law [Word] of the LORD meditating in it day and night; and that this individual is like a tree planted by the rivers of water. Now that is quite refreshing to a child of God; to know that whatsoever they do shall prosper.

There is a somewhat sad statement, yet, a statement that should encourage us as well. The encouraging thing about verse four is that God will judge wickedness, and will not let it go unpunished. The sad thing is that there are those who are “Ungodly”.

The “Ungodly” are those who will set out to oppose all that is godly, righteous, just, and of God. Whether we want to admit this or not they do exist. A few years ago we heard of a group who on a website asks for those who will commit the “Unpardonable sin” to sin against the Spirit of God and forever condemn their soul. The ungodly are those who just completely reject the love, grace, mercy, and cross of Jesus Christ.

These are as the waste of the wheat as it is thrashed. When the winds of life and God’s judgment comes are driven away. May God save those who will hear Him, and believe.

In the first Psalm we see the blessedness of the one who is right with God. They do not seek ungodly counsel, nor do they participate in sinful endeavors, nor try to rule with the scornful or as the scornful. The “Blessed” are those whose “…delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night”. Those who do this are strong, supplied, and sufficient for all things.

“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” Psalm 1:5 (KJV).

The ungodly and the sinner are the same. They are not right with God. Their delight is to do the things that gratify their emotions, thinking, lust, greed, and power. These are ones who will not hardly hesitate to use a friend, sometimes even a family member or spouse, or co-worker to gain what they desire; what they delight in. They certainly have no desire for God. God would be an interruption in their life.

The path of the ungodly and the sinner is that they will not be able to stand before God in the judgment with their good deeds. They will be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:11-14; v. 12), and will not be able to give any reason for their unbelieving hearts. There will be no room for the ungodly and the sinner “…in the congregation of the righteous”.

Who are the righteous? All those who have come to God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, and received the righteousness of Christ and have been raised together with Him, for all eternity.

Sin definitely has a hold on the human race. Why many do not want to see it is beyond reason. One Monday morning at Virginia Tech, in April 2007, we saw the results of sin, and there is only one answer for sin. The life of a perfect sacrifice. And we are not it.

“For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” Psalm 1:6 (KJV).

Cho Sueng-Hui a student with a visa from South Korea went into a dorm and killed two fellow students. He, then proceeded to Norris Hall where students and teachers were gathered for classes, and shot and killed thirty more, and then, turned the gun on himself. This man does not need my condemnation, nor anyone else. He is condemned far greater than anything you or I could. He is forever in the absence of God’s presence.

Those who have become so encumbered by sin that they follow its call will do almost anything. Let no one say, “I could not/would not ever do what that man did”. You just might. As long as you turn a deaf ear to the Lord; your heart will grow hard, heavy, and madness of evil can easily set in. You could find yourself doing all kinds of evil, that you never dreamed possible. You say you don’t believe in evil. Do not be deceived. You saw it take place on Monday morning April 16, 2007, and every morning before and since that dreadful day. Evil is more powerful than you or I can deal with alone. The end of evil is destruction.

The LORD knows ‘the way of the righteous’; He should because He directs the way of the righteous. The LORD does not direct the righteous to kill, maim or destroy. He directs the righteous to live godly, holy, and sanctified lives for His glory, and calls us to call others unto Him. The way of the righteous is also the way of peace, mercy, justice, love, joy, gentleness, patience, self control. They show forth those things which have been called the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’.

-Tim A. Blankenship

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Celebrations seem to be reserved for weddings, graduations, promotions, and for whatever one desires to celebrate in our society. There is one, or more celebrations we should never forget, though, and that is celebrating our LORD God, and the wonderful things and acts He has done for us.

The Hebrew people were given many days of celebration, with seven feast days, then a total of nine. These begin from the Passover to end with Purim, and they each play a significant part in Judaism. Celebrations they are, but even more they are worshipping the LORD God who delivered them, provides for them, and reminds them of His merciful, gracious, and awesome acts.

As Christians we can see the Messiah; our Lord Jesus; as He is pictured, typed, and shadowed by these celebrations. We should celebrate and worship Him everyday of our lives.

In this message I want us to see the need for celebrating Jesus, and these pictures of our Lord in the Old Testament. We are short on our celebrations and celebrating. So, let’s celebrate Jesus and worship Him, and by our worship of Him we worship our GOD.

The portraits follow of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE BLOOD OF THE PASSOVER LAMB IS A PICTURE OF THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS (vv. 1–5; Exodus 12:1-14). By the pronouncement of God’s Word from His messenger Moses the wrath of God was going to fall on the firstborn of every home. No one was going to be left untouched. It didn’t matter if one was of Israel or of Egypt. The destiny of every family was going to be determined by the actions of each household. The day of the Passover was to be on the fourteenth day of Abib (Exodus 13:4) also called Nisan, and is from our later days of March through the early days of April. So, the Passover by our calendar would fall around the 29th of March, though it does come on April 9th for 2009. I don’t know what the difference is which causes this variance.

It was necessary if the firstborn of the home was to live, or if they neglected to put the blood on their door; then their firstborn would die. God had shown Himself faithful to carry out the previous 9 plagues; why should or would He be questioned not? At least the children of Israel obeyed and the firstborn children of Israel were saved.

This shows us that all are guilty of sin and need the blood of a sacrifice. For the Passover it was the blood of the lamb which provided propitiation for the believing home. In this case the “angel of death” passed over that home. The shed blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, is the only atonement available for the guilt and shame of mankind today.

Jesus said, “This is My blood… which is shed for you” (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; John 6:56). These reference verses show the importance Jesus placed on His blood for those who believe in Him. Jesus is the PASSOVER LAMB of God and when God the Father sees the blood of His Son Jesus He sees our sins cleansed, washed away, forgiven, and us forever in His presence.

THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD GIVES US THE PICTURE OF THE SINLESSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 6-8; Exodus 12:15-20). This feast takes place the day following the Passover meal. It takes place in the month Abib/Nisan as well. It would be a 7 day feast, and no leaven was allowed in the bread, nor to be in any Hebrews home.

There are far too many who would place Jesus merely in the realm of humanity. Yes! He was and is human, but so much more than a man. Many have no problem seeing Jesus as a prophet, a good teacher or even a good man; however if He was not the Son of God, Divine [God incarnate], and sinless; then He was a sham, a con-artist, and the worst deceiver who ever lived on earth.

While the idea of the “unleavened bread” implies a hasty departure for Israel from Egypt; we can also see the need for the believer’s hasty departure from sin, and sins bondage. Sin is the master of all unredeemed people (Romans 6:16). Gender or age makes no difference. All are guilty of sin before Holy God, and require the propitiatory act of the death of the sinless Jesus Christ to stand in the presence of the HOLY ONE.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

THE FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS GIVES US THE PICTURE OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 9-14). This is the offering feast of the harvest of the firstfruits of the wheat and the barley, and took place following the seventh day of the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD.

Jesus was crucified on the day of Passover, taking into account that the Jewish day began after the sun set. The following day would have started the feast of unleavened bread and continued for a seven day period. Jesus was laid in a borrowed tomb, definitely dead, prepared for burial, with the tomb sealed, and three days later arose bodily from the grave, early on that Sunday morning (Matthew 28:1-4).

We find “Firstfruits” mentioned in the New Testament by Paul the apostle writing to the church of Corinth;

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

1 Corinthians 15:20, 23 (KJV)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ bodily from the grave is the means of the Christians rejoicing. Our God and Savior Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, hell and the grave and still lives, giving God the glory, and giving to all who will believe eternal life.

Celebrate Jesus He died, was buried, arose bodily from the grave and is returning some day.

THE FEAST OF WEEKS [PENTECOST] IS THE PICTURE OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE LIVING LORD JESUS; HIS SPIRIT IN US (vv. 15-22). The celebration was to be counted seven sabbaths from the offering of the first fruits, or 49 days. With celebration of day 50.

Forty days following the resurrection of Jesus, and His appearances to many, in one incident “above five hundred at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:6); Jesus ascended into heaven leaving this promise;

“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” and,

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:5, 8 (KJV)

Ten days following Jesus’s ascension into the heavenlies the Spirit of God came on all in the upper room (Acts 2). That is the total of 50 days.

This is something the Christian, filled with the Spirit of God and Christ, can celebrate every single day. We have the very person of Jesus Christ within us. He is the power of Christ, the presence of Christ, and glory of Christ in us. He is our “Earnest payment” until Jesus returns (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:14). This our guarantee that He is returning.

The Spirit of God in us is much more than a guarantee of His return though. He is the power which changes the heart of a good man into the heart of a godly man. He is the power that changes a pimp or a prostitute into a vessel which is clean, pure and brings glory to God. He is the power who can change the child molester into an individual who has the heart of God for children. He is the power who can change a murderer into someone who loves and cherishes all of life. When the Spirit of God and Christ enters a man, woman, boy or girl the change that is made is noticed;

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4 (KJV)

Saul of Tarsus, who hated Jesus, His teachings, and all who followed Him became a disciple and an apostle of Jesus Christ when he met Jesus, and was changed by the Spirit of Jesus Christ in him (Acts 9:1-22). Every one who comes to Jesus receives the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Holy Spirit), baptized into His body (1 Corinthians 12:13), and is gifted and empowered to live for Him and His glory.

THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS IS THE PICTURE OF CHRIST REGATHERING THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (vv. 23-25). The Feast of Trumpets took place annually during the month Tishri (September/October). The prophets from Isaiah through Malachi ring with promises of the regathering of Israel as a nation. Jesus Himself made the promise of such;

“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Mattthew 24:31 (KJV)

There are many Old Testament promises which will yet be fulfilled; some I give you:

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Isaiah 2:1-5 (KJV)

Isaiah 11:1-16

“Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.” Ezekiel 43:1-6 (KJV)

“And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali. It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:31-35 (KJV)

“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6 (KJV)

On this portion of Matthew (24:31) you may check this out. If you would like to check out my studies of the Olivet Discourse you may click on the link.

Romans chapters 9 – 11 give us more details of God’s promises being fulfilled to the people of Israel, and one day Jesus will regather them to Himself, and this time will be forever.

THE FEAST OF THE DAY OF ATONEMENT GIVES US THE PICTURE OF JESUS’S SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH ON THE CROSS (vv. 26-32). The day of atonement took place during the month Tishri (September/October).

It was on the day of atonement that we hear of the “Scapegoat” (Leviticus 16). There were two goats brought to the high priest. By “lot” one was chosen as the LORD’s and the other lot for the scapegoat. The LORD’s lot was sacrificed, the other was released, “…to go as a scapegoat into the wilderness.” There is more sacrifice involved on this day of atonement, but within this scene of the “Scapegoat” we have a beautiful picture of the atoning work of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Jesus, as the sinless, perfect, spotless, blemishless, Lamb of God went to the cross our sacrifice for sin, without sin, became our sin – thus the goat image – bore the wrath of Holy God upon sin, died as the penalty for our sin (Romans 6:23), was buried – thus the image of the scapegoat – carrying our sins, shame, and guilt and condemnation away. Then, He arose bodily from the grave leaving all that sin, shame, guilt and condemnation cast far, far away (Psalm 103:12).

There is only one payment for sin, and that is provided, and was provided by our God and Savior Jesus Christ, as he bled and died in obedience to His Father, and in His love for you and I He is our Substitute, our only atonement for sin.

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IS A PICTURE OF THE REST AND REUNION WE HAVE IN JESUS CHRIST (vv. 33-44). This feast also took place in the month of Tishri (September/October) on the fifteenth day would be the beginning. The first day was a Sabbath day, and the eighth day was a Sabbath day for them. On the first day also they were to make booths (a temporary home) this was a reminder to them of the journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt.

It would seem that the whole month of Tishri is taken with celebration and worship of the LORD. The life of the Christian should be a time of celebration/worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our God. God saw to it that the people would always have plenty of rest from their labors. Six days a week they labored, then the sabbath day was a day of rest. Then on the fourteenth day of the first month until the twentyfirst day they celebrated the Passover, Unleavened bread, and firstfruits; fifty days later they celebrated Pentecost, then in the seventh month of Tishri they celebrated Feast of Trumpets [Rosh Hashanah], Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur], and feast of Tabernacles [Booths of Ingathering].

Today the Hebrews celebrate two other occasions. Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) [Hanukkah] during the month of December from the miracle of the Menorah in the temple during the of the Maccabees rebellion against Antiochus ephiphines. The other began in the time of Esther, and is called Purim in the month Adar (February/March). Purim is remembrance and thanks to God for His deliverance from Haman’s deceptive means to destroy the Jews.

In Jesus Christ our Lord and God we celebrate these every day. He fulfilled all these. He is the anti-type. He is not the shadow of these things; He is the substance. Jesus is also the Light, and the only means of salvation for the Jew and the Gentile.

Of His Rest and Reunion we read:

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:11-16 (KJV)

Let’s Celebrate Jesus.

-Tim A. Blankenship

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The Prophet

"The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not My word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:28-29 (KJV)